For generational talents like Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao, they do not need to worry on where they are going to play next after their collegiate or amateur careers. They can certainly get the bag while getting the playing time needed to perform and contribute for their team.
It is much different, however, for most of young basketball talents going to the professional ranks. As a Filipino basketball player fresh out of college, you're faced with a significant choice that could shape your career in different ways. Will you join the Philippine Basketball Association where you may have less minutes as the competition is tougher, or will you take a different path and establish a name with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)?
Playing in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association)
The PBA is definitely the premier basketball league in the country today. It is therefore a no brainer why it offers several advantages over the MPBL. For instance, the PBA offers higher salary and better benefits compared to the MPBL.
The PBA is also broadcasted live on free TV, unlike the MPBL which is only shown through cable TV. Thus, the PBA offers more visibility and prestige, thereby providing the players more opportunity to establish their own brand, and perhaps translate it to more followers on social media.
There is also no dispute that the PBA is the melting pot of the country's basketball talents. Every year, many players enter their names in the annual rookie draft, but only few are given contracts. Hence, with more concentration of talents, PBA players get the opportunity to play with and learn from experienced players, which could enhance their skills and basketball IQ.
Lastly, PBA teams participate in international club competitions such as the East Asia Super League (EASL) wherein the best clubs from Japan, South Korea and other East Asian countries play. As a result, PBA players will have the potential for international exposure through PBA teams' participation in regional tournaments.
Nevertheless, playing in the PBA will also have its drawbacks. Perhaps the biggest issue for young players in the PBA is the lack of playing time. Limited playing time might hinder their development as they will spend more time on the bench, rather than breaking sweat on the floor.
The abundance of talents in the PBA has also its side effects. With more talents, there is intense competition for roster spots, especially on teams with many established players.
Playing in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League)
For the up and coming players, they do not need to enter the PBA draft right out of college. Fortunately for this generation of young cagers, they can opt to play in the MPBL first to further hone their game before competing for spots in the PBA.
Sliding down to the MPBL is another option for PBA players who are not getting the floor burn that they deserve. While they are already in a premiere league, it feels different if you are actually on the floor playing significant minutes.
Playing in the MPBL offers advantages over the PBA. If you have the talent, but you are overshadowed in the PBA by more talented players, you would likely be a key player or even the star in the MPBL, gaining substantial playing time which is crucial for development.
Opportunity to showcase your skills more freely, potentially leading to recognition and possibly a better contract in the PBA later. Playing before home crowds and packed arenas is much more fun and less pressure, allowing players to play their natural game.
Undoubtedly, the MPBL offers lower pay and fewer resources compared to the PBA. As already mentioned, it does not have a free tv coverage. Nonetheless, the MPBL provides free online streaming via Youtube and Facebook which may soon be the preferred media for fans in the near future.
With lower eyes on the game, players will have less national exposure unless they perform exceptionally well or their team does something remarkable. Lastly, The level of competition might not be as high, potentially slowing your growth against less challenging opponents. Time will tell if 2x MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar will dominate the PBA just like how he did it in the MPBL.
Weighing the options
If your primary goal is immediate playing time and development, the MPBL might be the better choice. Here, you would get the chance to be a central figure, improving your game under the spotlight, which could lead to PBA opportunities down the line.
However, if you value the structure, prestige, and the long-term career benefits that come with being in the PBA, even with limited minutes initially, you might opt for this. It could be a strategic move to "pay your dues" in a more competitive environment, learning from veterans, with the hope of eventually securing a more significant role.
Given your age and career stage, where development might outweigh immediate earnings or prestige, playing in the MPBL where you can be the go-to guy might be more beneficial for your growth as a player. This decision would hinge on your career aspirations, how much you value immediate playing time versus long-term career trajectory, and your confidence in your ability to eventually break through in the PBA.